TRENTON -- The defense attorney for Ralphiel Mack, the brother and co-defendant of Trenton Mayor Tony Mack in the ongoing federal corruption trial, has issued a subpoena to a Times of Trenton reporter who has extensively covered the case.

Ralphiel Mack's attorney Robert Haney served the handwritten notice to reporter Alex Zdan on Thursday morning before opening arguments at the federal courthouse seeking "all notes relating to coverage of the Mack et al matter."

“Attorneys for The Times have notified the judge and the defense attorney of our intent to fight the subpoena," said Matt Dowling, editor of The Times. "Courts have long-recognized a privilege deeply rooted in the First Amendment that protects reporters from being compelled to provide evidence in judicial proceedings.”

The prosecution's case is expected to take two to three weeks before the defense may start presenting witnesses.